Bevin Asking TVA Not to Close Coal-Fired Plant at Paradise

Back in December, the Tennessee Valley Authority was seeking public input on the company's decision to close the final coal-fired plant at Paradise in Muhlenberg County. Governor Matt Bevin has put in his plea to keep the plant open.

Bevin's concerns in a letter sent last Friday to TVA President Bill Johnson include layoffs of some 130 employees and Unit 3's closing impact on Muhlenberg and the surrounding counties.

The Paradise power plant at Drakesboro has been in operation since 1970. Units 1 and 2 were replaced with natural gas power in 2017.

The main reason TVA is looking to close Unit 3 came after an environmental assessment report it would have higher future maintenance and environmental compliance costs.

The TVA board of directors could make a decision on Paradise at its meeting next month.